We are thrilled to announce that Dr. Julia Visgauss, MD, assistant professor of Orthopaedic Surgery, Orthopaedic Oncology associate division chief, Associate Program Director, and Residency, has been selected to receive funding from the prestigious Fund to Retain Clinical Scientists, supported by the American Heart Association (AHA) at Duke.
Dr. Visgauss's proposal, "Investigating Drivers and Therapeutic Approaches for LCP1 Overexpression in Chondrosarcoma," was selected because it has the potential to significantly advance our understanding and treatment of chondrosarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of bone cancer.
Her research will identify the factors contributing to metastatic disease progression in chondrosarcoma, emphasizing the discovery of novel therapeutic targets. This work has the potential to lead to breakthroughs that could improve the outcomes of patients facing this challenging disease.
Dr. Visgauss shared, "Being a surgeon-scientist is a demanding career. It often feels like you’re juggling two full-time jobs, and there never seem to be enough hours in the day, leaving little time for anything else. At a time when family demands are great—young children, family members with serious illnesses, etc.—balancing productivity at work and supporting life outside of work can feel impossible. This funding will allow me to delegate some of the necessary work needed to complete one of our major projects. It feels like a pressure valve has just been released."
The Visgauss Lab is dedicated to advancing cancer research by studying the mechanisms behind metastatic disease progression in chondrosarcoma. By focusing on LCP1 overexpression, Dr. Visgauss aims to uncover new insights into how this protein drives the disease, potentially leading to innovative therapeutic strategies.
The AHA funding will help support the lab’s goals, enabling Dr. Visgauss to further her academic research career and move us closer to improved patient treatments.
We look forward to her continued groundbreaking research and its lasting impact on the future of cancer care.